DIY Solutions to Common Skin Problems

These are the result of aging and the environment, which are mostly unavoidable. Other causes are, lifestyle choices or an illness. Below are some of the most common skin problems as well as some suggestions on how to treat them and minimize or mask their appearance. The more you understand your skin and how it works, the better you can prevent problems in the future.

1. Acne

   It is a common disorder that occurs when glands secrete too much oil in the skin. This excess oil causes pimples that are usually found on the face, but they can also appear on the back, shoulders and chest. These are common among teenagers. Although some adults also have this due to hormonal imbalances during menstruation and menopause, stress due to emotional problems, and a bad diet.

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   A more direct cause of acne is dirt and dead skin that accumulates inside oily pores, clogging them and causing a raised buildup. When bacteria enters the skin, pimples occur. Other cause can include allergies, dehydration, heredity, and weakened immunity.

   DIY Treatment: The best way to combat acne is to treat the surrounding skin area, not just the spot where the pimple is. This will not just heal the pimple but also prevent recurrence. Next is to remember not to overwash because excessive washing will make skin even oilier and more likely to breakout again. Most importantly, resist the temptation to pop your pimples because touching causes inflammation making it more infected than it already is. Follow a sensible skin care regimen, including a mild toner that maintains the PH-balance of your skin and keeps it from drying out or getting too oily. Use the toner after washing with a medicated facial wash.

2. Whiteheads

   Another skin problem that most of us have. These are keratin-filled spots found around the eyes, cheeks, and eyelids. Like pimples, these should not be pricked with pins or squeezed with fingernails. These whiteheads are like cysts and your efforts will more likely damage the surrounding skin than get the whitehead out successfully.

   DIY Treatment: Hold a hot, wet face cloth over your skin to open your pores and loosen the top layer of dead skin cells. Use an exfoliating facial wash containing salicylic acid to remove the top layer of skin. This will enable the cysts to fall out naturally. Repeat this process daily until each whitehead disappears one by one.

3. Age Spots/Freckles

   This may be cause by excessive sunburn or medications that can cause pigmentation when the skin is exposed to the sun. Your skin gets spots when it tries to protect itself by producing an overabundance of melanin — the pigmented cells in your skin — in uneven patches.

   DIY Treatment: Wear sunscreen everyday, and make sure it has both UVA and UVB protection. It is also possible that the dark spots on your face may actually be warts. If they are raised and seem to be spreading and growing in number, consider seeing a dermatologist for the proper diagnosis and treatment. Warts are caused by a virus and are infectious. Do not touch them and wash your hands often so as not to spread them to other parts of your body.

4. Dry Skin

   This is usually caused by low production of oil by the sebaceous glands. In such cases, there isn’t enough oil on the skin to create a protective barrier. Eventually, the skin dries out because there’s not enough oil to keep moisture from evaporating. Sometimes, skin can get so dry that it itches and feels tight.

   DIY Treatment: Use a facial moisturizer that absorbs quickly, preferably one without any fragrance. People with dry skin should avoid any type of skin care products with cologne, perfume, and alcoho because these cause dryness. Moisturizing lotions with natural oils also prevent moisture loss and add softness.